Theatre Royal & Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham- Until Sat 13th November 2021
Reviewed by Amarjeet Singh
5*****
From the moment we walked into the beautiful, ornate theatre and were greeted by the eerie dry ice and imposing but impressive Addams family gate on stage, we knew we were in for an entertaining ride and we were not disappointed.
Although staying true to the characters of the much loved TV and comic strip, we were delighted to discover the ghoulish family have grown. Wednesday has fallen in love, but not with a fellow creature of the night, instead, she has become smitten with a ‘normal’ boy. However, as Morticia states rather thought provokingly, ‘What is normal for the spider, is chaos for the fly’.
The Addams Family is the story of exploring what is ‘normal’, and how we should be free to express and celebrate our differences, without shame or secrecy. Its these differences which brings us together and makes life so interesting and colourful. The same can be said of this show.
The sets were vast and gothic, adding gravitas to the atmosphere. The musical numbers hit the spot ever time with a live orchestra, incredible voices and fabulous songs. The choreography was on point with the ensemble cast of the undead keeping us thoroughly captivated. No effort had been spared to keep the audience engaged and entertained and feeling like part of the family. From the opening belter ‘When you’re an Addams’ to the spectacular dinner scene at the end of act one with Alice’s aria after ‘The Game’ doesn’t quite go to plan’.
Joanne Clifton as Morticia blew us away with the final tango, bringing in all her Strictly Come Dancing magic, which matched her amazing voice and incredible stage presence. Cameron Blakely as Gomez Addams had us in stitches with his comedic timing. There needs to be shout out to his majestic eyebrows which deserve a special mention in their own right. Scott Paige as Uncle Fester, the endearing fourth wall breaking selenophile, Kingsley Morton as Wednesday Addams, with an incredible voice and the rest of the cast brought this death obsessed family to life, all in the name of love.
I would highly recommend going to see The Addams Family for a creepy, kooky, mysterious, and spooky night out, filled with laughter and singing with full disclosure and love winning. After all, they are The Addams Family. (click click)